Episode Details

Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.

In Lesson 64, we are going to study 1 John 2:26.

Let’s read the verse:

1 John 2:26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

Now, let us go over the definitions of the words.

* I have written (1125. graphó) — means to write or inscribe, often with a sense of recording authoritative or divinely inspired instruction.

* These things to you (3778. houtos, hauté, touto)(4771. su) — refers to what has just been written. "You" is the reader being directly addressed.

* About (4012. peri) — means concerning, in regard to, or with reference to (those being discussed).

* Those who are trying to deceive you (3588. ho, hé, to) (4105. planaó) — means “the ones leading astray” and refers to people who are actively attempting to deceive, mislead, or spiritually seduce you from the truth.

Here is a paraphrased and expanded version: I have written these things to you carefully and purposefully to warn you about those who are actively working to deceive you. They are trying to lead you astray from the truth, and I want you to be aware of their influence so you do not drift away from the solid foundation you have received.

This was written to a community of believers who had experienced division because some people had left the church and were spreading heretical teachings.

These individuals are the antichrists who departed from the fellowship (1 John 2:19) and now deny the faith.

John writes this because it is possible to be misled and deceived. He wants to protect believers from falsehood and help them stay grounded in the truth he has shared.

We need to be aware of these deceivers and the lies they promote.

Jesus gave us many warnings about false messiahs and false teachers. He even said they would perform signs and wonders and deceive, if possible, even the elect.

The deception continues even today. We must stay alert and remain firmly rooted in the truth, because false teachers can mislead us if we are not careful.

John serves as our example. Just as he warned us, we are called to warn others about those who deceive.

We are also to abide in Christ, let the Word of God dwell in us richly, and rely on the Spirit to guide us. This is what will protect us from being led astray.

Let’s take a look at some cross references for 1 John 2:26 that speak about those who are trying to deceive you.

In Mark 13:22, Jesus warns that false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. We must stay spiritually alert and discerning to guard against deception.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

In Acts